Waterford native and MD of Microsoft Ireland, Paul Rellis, will address the region’s businesses on the future of “cloud computing” and the advances being made by Microsoft in this area.
The business briefing entitled “The Future is the Cloud” is supported by Waterford IT company, HCS Business Solutions and Waterford Chamber and will take place in the Tower Hotel at 8.30am on Wednesday, February 16th.
Paul Rellis was appointed Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland in December 2007. As MD he is responsible for Microsoft Corporation’s business in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and also represents Microsoft on all strategic policy and communications issues in Ireland.
Prior to being appointed MD, Paul was the Managing Director for Microsoft’s European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Operations Centre, based in Sandyford, Co. Dublin. His role includes overseeing Microsoft’s channel partners, supply chain, finance and order management across the region. The EMEA Operations Centre services 131 countries across five time zones. Previously, he held the position of Finance Director for Microsoft Operations in EMEA and Asia-Pacific.
One of the most recent exciting developments in the IT sector has been the shift towards cloud computing, which ultimately has a simple purpose; it allows end users to securely leverage the Internet for application use, data storage, and other tools. Coupled with this, cloud options are more cost effective, there is no need for on site backup and no more costs associated with managing IT infrastructure.
According to Neil Phelan, Sales Director, HCS Business Solutions, there is huge anticipation ahead of the “cloud” amongst local SME’s. Mr. Phelan commented, “Cloud computing is, undoubtedly, the way forward and is being welcomed by companies of all sizes. Cloud computing will give users a more reliable, remote and transparent IT service resulting in greater uptime and more business stability, which in these tough times is crucial.”
Mr. Phelan added “As Certified Microsoft Partners HCS Business Solutions is delighted that Paul Rellis will join us to address Waterford’s business community about the significance of cloud computing and the huge commitment Microsoft is making to online services.”
Microsoft first opened its doors in Ireland in 1985 with a small manufacturing facility employing just over one hundred people. Since that time, Microsoft Ireland has grown to encompass four distinct operations at its campus in Sandyford in Dublin, employing over 1,200 full time employees and 700 full-time contract staff.
“The Future is the Cloud” briefing will take place in the Tower Hotel on Wednesday, February 16th at 8.30am. This event is free. For further information or to book your place call Sheila Quinn at Waterford Chamber on 051 872639 or email sheila.quinn@waterfordchamber.ie